KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 — Malaysia has become his second home after nearly six years stationed here, said outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing.
Ouyang, who is concluding his term as China’s 16th ambassador to Malaysia, noted Malaysia is the place where he has lived and worked the longest outside China.
“Malaysia is where I have lived and worked the longest outside China. It has truly become my second home,” he said at a reception hosted by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia. The event marked the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and served as a farewell for the ambassador.
In attendance were Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching and Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong.
Also present were Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul and Senate President Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah.
Ouyang shared that he had visited every state across Malaysia during his almost six-year posting, an experience that deepened his understanding of the nation’s history, culture and traditions.
“From the bustling cities to the quiet towns and villages, along the way I have been immersed in the rich tapestry of Malaysia’s history, culture, and traditions, gaining a profound understanding of this beautiful country and its tender-hearted people,” he said.
He added Malaysian friends often asked for his impressions of the country.
“I always tell them Malaysia is a country of beauty: beautiful landscapes, beautiful people, and most important of all, beautiful hearts. “This is not diplomatic courtesy; it is my genuine, deep-seated feeling,” he said.
Ouyang said he was deeply touched by the warmth, kindness and affinity towards China demonstrated by Malaysians from all walks of life.
These include leaders from the government, Parliament, military, business and civil society sectors, as well as ordinary Malaysians he encountered in parks, on streets and at local eateries.
“All of this fills me with even greater conviction in the bright future of China-Malaysia relations,” he said.
Looking back on his tenure, Ouyang described himself as “deeply honoured and privileged” to have witnessed China-Malaysia relations scale new heights.
He noted exchanges between the two governments, parliaments and political parties have grown closer. Bilateral ties have evolved from a comprehensive strategic partnership to a China-Malaysia community with a shared future, and are now advancing toward a high-level strategic community with a shared future.
Ouyang also highlighted robust economic and people-to-people links between the two nations, covering cooperation in trade, technology, education and tourism.
He said the close bond between the two peoples shone brightly during the Covid-19 pandemic. Malaysians offered assistance to China at the onset of the outbreak, before China extended support to Malaysia in subsequent pandemic waves.
As he prepares to return to China, Ouyang pledged to continue supporting the development of China-Malaysia relations.
“As the 16th Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, it is the honour of a lifetime to contribute my part to deepening bilateral cooperation and bringing the hearts of our two peoples closer together. “No matter where the future takes me, a piece of my heart will always remain in Malaysia, and I will forever champion the enduring growth of China-Malaysia relations.”
Ouyang also expressed gratitude to Malaysian friends from all walks of life, the Malaysian Chinese community, Chinese citizens, enterprises and institutions in Malaysia for their support throughout his tenure.
“I look forward to the day our paths cross again,” he said.
